December 28, 2007 

Howdy friends and Sierra Drifters.  Best fishes to all in the New Year. 

The first day of winter proved to be just that; very cold and seasonal.  We have had several winter storms parade through the region leaving behind 3-4 feet of snow in the upper elevations.  The Owens Valley has had some much needed rain, but at this point the snow levels have remained above 6000 feet.  The forecast is calling for a polar air mass to descend on Northern California with the possibility of additional snowfall at lower elevations and the valley floors.  If you are planning a trip to the Eastern Sierra have winter clothing and tire chains, especially if your destination requires transiting the higher passes. 

The fishing has slowed considerably in most areas with the onset of much cooler water temperatures.  We have experienced some good fishing at times during the warm fronts preceding the storms.  Vehicular access to some areas is not possible at this time due to substantial snow and ice on the unmaintained dirt roads in the Long Valley region. 

The definition of “four wheel drive”… takes you further in to get stuck! 

Lower Owens River: Poor-good 

The water temps are dipping into the thirties after the passing cold fronts slowing the trout’s metabolic rates down substantially making for some tough “catching” conditions at times.  The warmer periods preceding and during storms will increase air and water temps triggering more active feeding behavior.  It has been during this type of condition we have had some good days tugging streamers using the dip and strip technique from the drift boat.  The deeper pools and softer water are holding the majority of the fish.  I suggest you spend more time than would be considered normal when fishing under these cooler conditions in a pool or run.  Fish will often hit streamer patterns or nymphs repeatedly presented to them out of aggression as opposed to hunger. 

The BWO (baetis mayfly) hatch #16-18 is short but sweet and one can have fun in the afternoons fishing dries to the rising wild fish.  Look for the emergence to begin around 1:30-2pm and end by 3 on the days in which air temps get into the forties. 

Veteran Drifters Bill Richards from Thousand Oaks and father-in-law, Chuck Rinehart all the way from Pittsburg, NY hit a warm cycle and did very well on a recent drift.  The two dead-eyes had numerous doubles on their way to over thirty fish.  Bill got “bragging” rights with a football shaped rainbow. 

Bill Richards...

Bill Richards & Chuck Rinehart..."Double"

The “Linkcredibles” strike again!  Scott and Chris Linkletter from San Pedro always seem to have a good day of “catching”!  They caught and released over forty on a pleasant day of drifting using our Spruce-a-Bu patterns.  Very few LDR’s (log distance releases) are the key to seeing this many fish. 

Scott & Chris Linkletter...

First time Drifters Howard Bailey and Lan Wiborg from San Diego had very cold temperatures, and just as cool fishing for their first day of drifting.  We saw Owens Valley global warming kick in the next day with T-shirt weather by late morning.  The fish responded to the warmer air and water and rewarded the couple with over twenty fish on a half day float.  In a heated battle for big fish honors Lan edged out Howard by a fraction of a fin!  

Howard Bailey...

Lan Wiborg & Howard Bailey...

Lan Wiborg with big fish honors for the day....

Upper Owens River: Cold! 

The only access that I would deem practical would be to walk in from the small pullout near the Benton Bridge.  There is a substantial amount of snow and ice on all the dirt roads leading to the open sections of the river upstream of the bridge.  Water temps remain in the upper thirties and low forties with some BWO activity late in the afternoon some days.  There has been below zero temps recorded here recently in the morning with the highs not much above freezing.  

Upper Owens 12/21/07

Hot Creek: Road Closed 

Long Valley got a good layer of snow prompting the NFS to close the gate on the road that leads to the geologic site and the loop to Owens River Road.  You may park at the gate and hike in to fish the canyon.  The dirt road leading to the interpretative site is still passable if you have a four wheel drive vehicle.  Dry dropper/bead head combos, or swinging streamers and soft hackles with a light sink tip or floating line will get you into fish here if you do not mind the cold air temps.

REGULATION NOTICE!!!

Mammoth Creek is closed to fishing at this time and you will be cited if you fish the confluence on the west side of Hot Creek near the inlet.  Stay on the parking area side in this area and you will have no problems.  Do NOT wade here please. 

Hot Creek 12/21/07

East Walker River: Slow  

Fishing has slowed here as well due to the cooler temps recently.  Flows remain low and the fish are concentrated in the deepest pools.  This area did not receive much snow and if the weather warms up would be a good choice for fisheries other than the Lower Owens or Gorge.  Nymphing with midge patterns #18-22 work this time of year. 

Pleasant Valley Reservoir: Fair 

The inlet section here fishes well this time of year on the warmer days.  Dry dropper bead head combos with my personal favorite the crystal tiger midge #16-18 will get you into fish.  The transition water near the Res and the river hold good concentrations of trout currently.  Look to fish the deeper pockets and cuts on the south side. 

Freeze tubers willing to brave the frigid temps are still doing better than expected trolling streamers from the launch ramp towards the inlet.  Leech patterns work well with full or heavy sinking tip lines to get those imitations down at least ten feet. 

The Gorge: Fair 

The snow levels remain above most of the prime areas here and at this point you will have no trouble getting down into the canyon.  Smaller midge patterns fished under a #16-18 dry will work best in the deeper pools and runs.  Mid-day periods are best this time of year. 

The guide team of Sierra Drifters wishes all of you a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year.  We would also like to thank all of you who fished with us this year for your support and friendship.  We are looking forward to sharing next years fishing adventures with you. 

Sierra Drifters flies and “Sungicator” strike indicators are only available at the following great fly shops and stores (don’t be fooled by any of the imitations out there!): Crowley Lake Fish Camp at Lake Crowley, Crowley Lake General Store in Crowley, Kittredge Sports in Mammoth Lakes, Bridgeport Reservoir Marina in Bridgeport, Malibu Fish’n Tackle in Thousand Oaks, Stroud’s Tackle in San Diego, The San Diego Fly Shop in San Diego,  The Fishermen’s Spot in Van Nuys, Bob Marriott’s in Fullerton, Buz's Fly Shop Too in Bakersfield and online at www.bigfishhappen.com. There are links to these locations at the resources tab above.

We pride our Guide Service & Products on Innovation not Imitation!

Be the fly friends…Tom Loe

Sierra Drifters Guide Service    

760-935-4250

Driftfish@qnet.com 

and Michele Loe Michele@MammothLakes.com